Typically, when a group of film producers decide to remake a classic TV show into a film, they do their best to perfectly recreate the characters, episodes and memories of the show. Typically these movies fail.

The latest attempt “Bewitched,” however, is hardly typical.

Where traditional TV-remake films are an attempt to recreate a show, “Bewitched” is a film about remaking a show. When Hollywood has-been Jack Wyatt, played by Will Ferrell, is one bad movie away from the bottom right corner of “Hollywood Squares,” he achieves what he believes is a stroke of genius.

To boost his career, he will star in a re-tooled update of the classic TV show “Bewitched.” In his version, however, the star will not be Samantha, but his character — the tragically under appreciated Darrin.

Enter Nicole Kidman as Isabel Bigelow, who is discovered by Jack while he is seeking an unknown to play the part of Samantha. Of course the twist lies in the fact that Isabel, coincidentally — and all too conveniently — is a witch herself.

But the utter convenience of the situation takes little away from the remarkably delightful story. The story works because no one in the film seems to be taking him or herself too seriously. It seems that everyone, from actor to director to writer is having a good time telling a fun story about vibrant characters like Endora, Samantha’s mother, played by Shirley MacLaine.

Before long, of course, Jack’s plan to be the star begins to unravel as his female counterpart steals the show — Isabel steals the show from Jack, and in a remarkably funny performance, Kidman from Ferrell. Ferrell is of course, flawlessly hilarious, but the pairing with Kidman, which looked to be nothing more than a pretty face opposite a comedian, is a surprisingly perfect combination. Kidman plays Isabel with innocence and charm, but still avoids nauseating cuteness.

Kidman’s childlike spirit in her performance is but one facet in what turned out to be a rather satisfying comedy. The concoction of a dufus comedian like Ferrell with a typically straight-laced actress like Kidman, along with a pinch of British elegance from Michael Caine, results in a cauldron of genuine laughs any funny little witch would be proud of.